NBA fans have shown no kindness to Noah Lyles ever since his comments on NBA champions. But the incoming backlash was not limited to the fans as even multiple NBA stars have so far criticized the 27-year-old athlete. Among the ones to disagree with Lyles’ take was Gilbert Arenas as well. But the ex-NBA star still does not want the Paris Olympics’ 100m gold medalist to go through what LeBron James did.

Gil believes that besides Bron having his haters wishing for the other team to win, Lyles was the most hated athlete for whom fans desired an individual defeat. This would’ve helped the alleged haters to rub the loss in Noah’s face, as per Arenas’ claims. “Your brand is horrible right now,” he said about Lyles. Meanwhile, in his caption to the IG post featuring this clip, the ex-Washington Wizards star stated, “Noah has to rebrand himself becuz NO OLYMPIC athlete has ever went into an event and the public was praying he lost… ”

To further explain the amount of hate against the 27-year-old, Gilbert Arenas used George Poage’s 1904 Olympic win as an example. “… The first black athlete to win medals for The USA… white ppl in america… cheered that n***a on that day… They put they racism aside during those times… He didnt even rights AND he was cheered… You to great to not be liked,” further read the caption to Gil’s IG post. Notably, the hate against Lyles stems from his statement about the winners of the NBA Finals not being world champions.

During a press conference at the World Athletics Championship, raised questions on the NBA Finals winners wearing the world champion tag. “World champion of what? The United States?” he added. However, part of the criticism against the track athlete could be because of the extension of his comments.

Although the 27-year-old claimed to love the US, he also emphasized the world is more than just the USA. Lyles argued that the world champion tag makes no sense unless there are different countries participating in the tournament. And even before this controversy could fade away, Lyles found himself in another one.

Backlash from fans forces clarification out of Lyles on the Anthony Edwards controversy

It all started from the 6-time World Champion desiring for his own signature sneaker deal with Adidas. Now failing to deliver that for Lyles, it seemed the brand added insult to injury by inviting him to Edwards’ sneaker launch.

At least that’s what the recent revelations made by TIME’s Sean Gregory suggest. “You want to invite me to [an event for] a man who has not even been to an NBA Finals? In a sport that you don’t even care about? And you’re giving him a shoe?” Noah said, as per the report. Although he had mentioned he meant no disrespect to Edwards, Lyles’ comments did not go well with fans.

After facing major backlash and accusations of hating on Ant Man, Noah clarified his stance in an X post. He denied all such rumors that suggest he did not go to Edwards’ shoe release out of his belief of Anthony being undeserving. The Paris Olympics’ 100m gold medalist stated his reason for not going was a time issue because of his prior engagements.

“Congratulations on Becoming an Olympic champion!” he extended a message to Anthony in his post. It seems Lyles has already in line with what Gilbert Arenas tried conveying in his recent opinion of re-branding.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.